AFTER their Round 14 battle, Collingwood and Vixens will meet once again this week in a do-or-die final. Coming off a big win against their cross-town rivals, the Magpies will be hoping to replicate their dominant performance and progress through to the preliminary final. Collingwood have flexed their muscles in the last couple of weeks stringing three wins together while on the flip side, the Vixens have struggled to hit their straps dropping three games consecutively. Statistically speaking both sides match-up relatively evenly with the Vixens shooting at 88 per cent and Collingwood at 86 per cent, however the turnover rate may be of concern for the Pies heading into the match with 23 more.

The Vixens are no stranger to the finals scene, having played in their fair share over the years but struggled with consistency throughout the past couple of rounds, however they have plenty of strengths credit to their attacking structure and defensive pressure. They have a variety of options in the goal circle with Tegan Philip, Caitlin Thwaites and Mwai Kumwenda all impressive under the post. Although Kumwenda is coming off an injury she has shown in recent weeks that she can come on as an impact player with her clever movement in the circle, understanding with the feeders and accuracy to boot. Philip has been in career best form recently while Thwaites has showcased her versatility, able to switch between goal shooter and goal attack. With Liz Watson well held last week expect her to explode out of the blocks and wreak havoc in the attacking third with her ability to tussle for prime position at the top of the goal circle. Up the defensive end Emily Mannix and Jo Weston have proven to be a dynamic duo, able to shut down space and contest passes while Kadie-Ann Dehaney is an aerial threat.

The Magpies will be riding high after a gallant win last week that spurred them into the top four. After a relatively hot and cold season, Collingwood have found form at the right time of the year and will be hoping to bring that intent and pressure into the semi-final. Geva Mentor has been in vintage form, out hunting for intercepts and applying pressure on the ball carrier while the switch up between Ash Brazill and Kim Ravaillion has rejuvenated the side. Brazill’s cleanliness with ball in hand, dynamic movement across the court and vision into the circle paired with her defensive pressure has proven hard to match for opponents. In the attacking third Nat Medhurst has upped the ante, showcasing her playmaking skills and netball nous to exploit opposition weaknesses and back herself in the goal circle. Her partnership with Shimona Nelson has developed at a rate of knots in the past couple of weeks and could pose a dominant threat if unattended.

If the Magpies can bring that same defensive intent and shut down the free-flowing movement in the Vixens attacking third they could set themselves up for a shot at the win. On the other hand, the Vixens will be seething about their last couple of performances and will be wanting to make amends for their ill-disciplined play, making for an intriguing battle.